Wednesday, July 27, 2011

﻿ ﻿Beau is a lovable boy who needs a family with plenty of time available to spend with him. He is a very social boy, who really enjoys being included in whatever is going on, rather than sitting alone. Beau has met several other dogs in the shelter, both large and small, and has been happy to say hello to them all. If you do already have another dog and you are thinking of adopting Beau, please bring your dog along to the shelter to meet Beau, so we can see how they interact.

Beau is a bit unsure around cats and would need to be introduced to them slowly and supervised around them. He does tend to get quite excited and chase pocket pets, so would be best in a home without them. Beau does require regular grooming to keep him looking, and feeling his best. This needs to include a brush every couple of days, a bath every 6-8 weeks, and clipping in the warmer months.

Beau loves his treats, and they can be used as rewards (in moderation) for his training. He does enjoy a walk, and will need to be taken for one every day. If you have children you will need to supervise them around Beau, and show them how to interact with him. He does tend to jump up when he gets excited, which means he may accidently knock little ones over or scratch them, so you will need to take the time to teach him settled behaviour around children.

To ensure Beau is kept safe and secure he will need a yard which has fences and gates that are in good condition with no gaps or footholes and are flush to the ground- colourbond would be best.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Back in March earlier this year, Sandra Moriarty visited our Hunter Region (Rutherford) RSCA Shelter in search of a fury child to save and call her own. It was here that Sandra came across Sammy. Sammy was quickly plucked from obscurity, given a different name "Basil" and whisked home to be showered with love and affection the likes of which Basil had not seen for some time. Sandra recently contacted us, writing...

"Hi,

We adopted Basil, (previous name Sammy) in March this year from your Rutherford Newcastle shelter. I just wanted to let you know what a joy he is and share his 1st place on the weekend in the Beginners class at Hillsborough Dog Training club. --
Cheers,Sandra Moriarty"

Congratulations guys, you both deserve each other and thanks for sharing your story. Basil, stay in school and keep your nose wet!

You can meet, greet and adopt all of Basils mates and "alumni" from the Hunter Region (Rutherford) RSCPA Shelter at http://www.adoptapet.com.au/

A local Glen Oak woman pleaded guilty to ten charges of animal cruelty at Raymond Terrace Local Court today, 25 July 2011. The charges comprised one count of aggravated cruelty, one count of failure to provide proper and sufficient food, four counts of failure to provide veterinary treatment, one count of failure to alleviate pain, and one count of failing to exercise reasonable care to prevent the commission of an act of cruelty. Two charges related to breaches of the NSW Animal Welfare Code of Practice for Breeding Dogs and Cats.

RSPCA Inspectors attended the womans dog breeding facility on 30 August 2010. A number of dogs were found to have untreated medical conditions including eye and ear conditions, dental disease, flea burdens, and matted, urine-soaked coats. One emaciated Silky Terrier dog was deemed cruel to be kept alive and was euthanased for multiple chronic conditions. Another three Shih Tzu dogs were found to be in poor body condition as a result of not being fed proper and sufficient food for at least two weeks. One of these female dogs had a moderately sized mammary tumour.

Breaches of the regulatory standards for breeding dogs included failing to keep housing clean and hygienic (72 dogs in two sheds) and failing to provide sufficient ventilation (100 dogs in three sheds/rooms). The woman surrendered thirty-four dogs to the RSPCA following this inspection.

The woman was convicted and given a two year Section 9 good behaviour bond for the aggravated cruelty charge. She was fined $500 for each of the remaining nine charges and ordered to pay $79 Court costs. She was also ordered to present to NSW Police for fingerprinting. The woman was also prohibited from owning, or residing at premises, with more than two desexed dogs ($4,500 total fines; $79 total costs).

Friday, July 22, 2011

Bess was brought to the shelter with about 12 other dogs from a backyard breeder - Bess had 5 little pups to rear and was an excellent mother. The pups have all found homes, but now Bess is looking for her fur-ever home. She is a gentle girl she loves her soft toys and running in the back yard she appears to be housetrained unless she cannot get access to the outdoors. Bess will let you know when someone is at the door and she loves to share BBQ chicken and chewy treats, she would make an excellent companion for someone who leads a quiet life.

Bess is $180.00 which includes desexing, microchip, vaccination, 1 months heart worm prevention, wormed and treated for fleas, she also comes with one months free pet insurance and a new collar.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

We’d like to thank Jet Pets (http://www.jetpets.com.au/) for flying Digger from Dubbo to Brisbane free of charge. Jet Pets help us out with free flights for our shelter animals. Kim fell in love with Digger on adoptapet.com.au and so the shelter took Digger to Dubbo airport and sent her off on a flight to Brisbane where new owner Kim picked him up. Digger is now in his new home with Kim in Gindalee, Queensland and loving life! Thanks Jet Pets and new owner Kim.

These three publications focus on the work we do but they are targeted to very different audiences. Animals is our members’ magazine. With a distribution of over 8000 copies, three times a year, it is pitched at RSPCA annual and life members who have a deep interest in animals and the work of the organisation.

Animania is our kids’ publication. A quarterly national publication, it is distributed to junior members of the RSPCA in six states. This colourful A5 magazine is aimed at 5 - 11 year olds and is packed with fun facts, competitions, puzzles and animal information.

Our Annual Report is distributed to our members, major donors and selected corporate supporters. It is a summary of our accomplishments over the year and includes our audited financial report.

The freelance writer/editor will not be required to work from RSPCA offices but will be required to attend flat plan and story meetings, conduct interviews and attend sites as required for publication purposes. This person will also help coordinate photo shoots. Working with a freelance designer, this person will assist in putting the publications together to be approved by RSPCA NSW.

This opportunity would suit someone with a strong interest in animal welfare who can adapt their writing style to suit two very different demographics. You should be an exceptional writer with strong editorial and layout skills. We are looking for someone who creates stories that are engaging, error free and enrol the reader in our work.

We estimate that the work requires a one to two day commitment per week – depending on how fast you write. The fee basis will be by publication.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

2011 My Kitchen Rules winners Sammy and Bella Jakubiak are helping the RSPCA celebrate Cupcake Day this year. The culinary duo recently created a signature cupcake recipe especially for the fundraising event, and they’re looking forward to raising awareness for the animal welfare organisation.

Sisters Sammy and Bella are passionate about food, and are long-time supporters of the RSPCA. So their involvement in RSPCA’s Cupcake Day is icing on the cake!

“We’re huge supporters of the RSPCA,” said Bella. “We adopted our cat Oscar from the RSPCA years ago. Oscar’s 14 years old now, and he’s still one of the best cats ever!” Sammy and Bella’s other family pets include dogs Baci and Jesse, as well as their talented – and talkative – Cockatiel, Frankie.

These ladies are “in love with food” and their flare for flavour is evident in their creative recipes. “We hope our cupcake recipe inspires people and encourages them to get on board with RSPCA’s Cupcake Day,” said Sammy.

Sammy and Bella are also savvy when it comes to making humane food choices. “We have a deep respect for animals, and we always source free range eggs for our recipes,” said Bella.

To find out more, visit http://www.rspcacupcakeday.com.au/. Register today and help the RSPCA continue their fight against animal cruelty. Registration is free, and you’ll find plenty of great recipes using cage free eggs (including Sammy and Bella’s delicious Lavender and Honey Cupcake recipe), fundraising tips, party ideas and more to help get you started. Plus, for every $100 raised online you’ll receive an entry into the draw to win a Kymco Like 125 Scooter (valued at $3,490). The top national fundraiser will win a Kymco Agility RS 125 Scooter (valued at $2,990).*

Help the RSPCA make Monday 15 August the sweetest day of the year. If you can’t be involved on this date, you can still hold your Cupcake Day Party at anytime during the month of August 2011.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

A local Woodenbong woman appeared in Kyogle Local Court on Thursday 14 July 2011.

She pleaded guilty to two charges of failure to provide proper and sufficient food and four charges of failure to provide veterinary treatment to her two dogs.

An RSPCA Inspector responded to a complaint about the dogs' poor condition on 25 June 2010. The two female Great Dane dogs were taken for immediate veterinary examination. The woman surrendered the younger of the dogs to the RSPCA and the other was taken into custody. The older dog succumbed to her intestinal problems and died that night.

Both dogs were diagnosed as emaciated. Both had flea infestations and very heavy Strongyloides intestinal worm burdens.

The woman was convicted and fined $800 for each of the two food charges. She placed on a twelve month Section 9 good behaviour bond for the four veterinary charges. She was also ordered to pay $79 Court costs and $1,010.60 veterinary costs (total fines $1,600; total costs $1,089.60).

If you're in the Darlinghurst neighborhood this August, be sure to pop into The East Village Hotel and check out Gemma Parsons "When I grow up" photographic exhibition. The exhibition features a childrens book with Hugo the Weimaraner, and follows his exploits and what Hugo could be when he grows up. From dancer to teacher and back again, Hugos journey will certainly capture your imagination.

From 18 July to 29 July 2011, the Bathurst Community Animal Welfare Scheme (CAWS) will offer reduced-rate veterinary services to local pet owners. CAWS, a discounted pet desexing and microchipping scheme, promotes responsible pet ownership and helps pensioners and low income earners improve their pets’ quality of life.

Now in its seventh year, the program aims to help improve animal welfare and reduce the number of unwanted animals impounded each year.

CAWS is supported by RSPCA NSW, Bathurst Regional Council and Bathurst Veterinarians; additional assistance is provided by the dedicated volunteers at the RSPCA Bathurst Branch.

Bathurst Regional Council Senior Ranger and local RSPCA Branch President Margaret Gaal has been involved with the program since its inception in 2004. She said the program offers numberous benefits to the local community.

“Desexing can help improve an animal’s general health and overall wellbeing,” said Ms Gaal. “This can positively impact not only other animals in the community, but people as well.”

The program also advocates education and public awareness to teach community members and school-aged children about responsible pet ownership, animal welfare and the humane treatment of animals. “CAWS helps encourage people to have empathy and compassion towards animals,” said Ms Gaal. “This is imperative to promoting long-term, effective change.”

Bathurst Council has run two CAWS programs per year since 2006. “The impact thus far has been remarkable,” said Ms Gaal. “As a result, the council hopes to offer continued support for the program in the future.”

It is expected that 120 animals will be desexed and microchipped as part of this two-week initiative.

Bathurst residents can contact participating veterinary clinics for more information:

Friday, July 15, 2011

I am a very friendly, social girl and am responsive and playful with people. I can get excited very easily and tend to jump up at you for attention. I need an energetic family who can provide me lots of quality exercise and mental stimuilation. I will not do well just left alone often and may beocme anxious, please leave me with lots of toys or boredom busters if I am to be left alone for long periods. I can sit but would love to learn some more manners,use positive reinforcement like food treats for my rewards as I am very motivated by food. I would love to be taken for a good long walk daily or 2 shorter ones if that fits in with you.

Keep in mind children should always be supervised around animals, I can be jumpy with play so may accidently knock over small children. I am not comfortable when other dogs approach me so can not go home with another dog.My home should have no cats or pocket pets as I will chase and annoy them.

My yard should be totally secure and the fences should be at least 5ft high.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

A lcoal Batemans Bay man pleaded guilty to a charge of aggravated cruelty to an animal at Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday 11 July 2011.

An RSPCA Inspector responded to a report about the mans male domestic short hair cat on the 11th November 2010. The Inspector seized the cat for urgent veterinary examination due to a large open facial wound.

The cat required euthanasia due to an advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the face. The erosive lesion extended from the cat's lower right eyelid to his upper lip. The carcinoma extended into the oral cavity and exposed the internal nasal cartilages. A post mortem confirmed that the carcinoma had spread to the local lymph node.

The veterinarian estimated the condition had been present for at least five to six months. The man admitted that the cat had not been provided with veterinary treatment.

The man was fined $500 and placed on a two year Section 9 good behaviour bond.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Photo taken on day of seizure 12 April 2011 (male German Shepherd dog scored as very underweight)

A local Maitland man pleaded guilty to three animal cruelty offences at Maitland Local Court on Thursday, 30 June 2011. He was charged with two counts of failure to provide proper and sufficient food and one count of failure to provide adequate shelter to his two German Shepherd dogs.

The male and female dogs were seized by an RSPCA Inspector on 12 April 2011 after the man failed to contact the Inspector regarding his concerns about the poor condition of the dogs. A veterinarian diagnosed both dogs as suffering malnutrition. Both dogs were housed in a backyard with no adequate shelter. The man surrendered both dogs to the RSPCA on 8 June 2011.

The man was convicted and fined $400. He was ordered to pay $140 Court costs and $2,493.13 veterinary/boarding costs (total fines $400; total costs $2,633.13)

Monday, July 11, 2011

While news of industry and government discussions on stunning is encouraging, only a government level agreement to mandate stunning will give the Australian community any assurance that animals will be protected in Indonesia. Now that Australians have seen the reality of fully conscious slaughter, anything less will never be accepted.

Cutting the throat of a conscious animal causes immense pain and suffering and contrary to some claims - by law, all cattle must be stunned in Australia. To accept a lesser standard in importing countries is a failure in our duty of care towards animals born under the protection of Australian law.

The RSPCA continues to call on the government to only issue export permits for facilities that practice pre-slaughter stunning - anything less than that will not provide any assurances that animals will be protected.

The public will not have confidence in a system that is still in the hands of an industry that has proven it cannot be trusted. It's important to remember that this is an industry that has knowingly supplied animals to horrific cruelty in Indonesian slaughterhouses for nearly two decades.

OIE Guidelines

Using OIE guidelines as a benchmark for the treatment of Australian animals in Indonesia is totally unnacceptable. OIE guidelines are base level standards designed to guide countries that don't have animal protection regulations.

OIE guidelines do not require upright restraint so animals can still be knocked over onto their sides for slaughter; they do not require pre-slaughter stunning; and they in fact do not prohibit roping slaughter whereby animals are forcibly tripped and pulled to the floor for the throat cut.

OIE guidelines do not represent acceptable welfare standards and should not be sold as such.

The RSPCA is supporting legislation that would see live exports phased out over the next three years, with strict regulations implemented in the interim that would see animals only going to facilities that meet Australian standards.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Clio is a quiet but sweet girl and she would love a calm home where she can relax. She will need lots of love and time to settle in her new home, as well as a litter tray, bed, scratching post and some toys. Clio gets on ok with other calm and friendly cats, but doesn't like them all over her.

She will need to be kept INSIDE at all times untill she is fully grown, if not for life! This is so she doesn't run away, get injured on the road, and to protect the local wildlife.

Due to our current cat adoption drive Clio is $100 to adopt which includes:

Thursday, July 7, 2011

We understand some people prefer to donate to us by buying specific goods rather than giving us cash.

To make sure the goods donated are what we need we have come up with shelter wish-lists that will be updated every 2 months. This way you will know that your donation is going directly to the animals, staff and volunteers of the RSPCA. If you let us know what you have donated, we will thank you on the wish list.

For any specific questions about items on these lists please refer to the contact name on each list.

Our RSPCANSW Sydney Shelter is in dire need of two new digital cameras for use within our Shelter Volunteer Program. Used primarily to document activities, programs and animal interactions between shelter residents and registered volunteers - the cameras are an essential part of the RSPCAs animal rehabilitation program.

If either you or anybody you may know can aid, please email James Roden on at jroden@rspcansw.org.au. Brand new digital cameras would be key as would any previously owned digital cameras in excellent condition. Thanks :)

Al local Cranebrook woman was sentenced for six animal cruelty offences at Mount Druitt Local Court on Thursday, 30 June 2011. She pleaded guilty at an earlier Court appearance to two charges of aggravated cruelty, two charges of failure to provide proper and sufficient food and two charges of failure to provide veterinary treatment to her two Cattle dogs.

The deceased male and female dogs were seized from the womans property by an RSPCA Inspector on the 14th June 2010. Post mortem examinations were supportive of a diagnosis of starvation and the veterinarian estimated that both emaciated dogs had not received sufficient food for at least three weeks prior to death. A flea burden was also present on both the dogs' bodies.

The woman was sentenced to nine months imprisonment with a three months non-parole period. The Magistrate prohibited her from owning any animal for seven years. She was also ordered to pay $108.70 in Court and transcription costs.

The woman lodged an Appeal to the District Court with respect to the severity of these penalties and was released on bail.

A big thank you to Backyard Chicken Coops (http://www.backyardchickencoops.com.au/) for providing the Sydney (Yagoona) shelter with a free Taj Mahal chicken coop for our rabbits! Confused? Don’t be – the Taj Mahal is not only a great chicken coop but is also an excellent rabbit home and Backyard Chicken Coops have donated one to us. It lives in our pocket pet area so next time you visit the shelter feel free to have a good look at it. It’s a palace for rabbits.

This winter, RSPCA NSW is asking you to consider that the $100 you might fritter away on a Friday night could instead give you years of companionship and love from a special someone - someone who greets you at the door by wrapping themselves around your leg and purring with delight.

On a busy winter day up to seventy cats can arrive at RSPCA shelters across the state. Many cats have spent their childhood, adolescence and now adulthood in shelters. RSPCA needs help finding them homes quickly.

RSPCA NSW Shelters are brimming over with gorgeous adult cats who are ready and waiting to find their forever homes.

Starting 1 July and finishing 31 July 2011, RSPCA Shelters statewide are reducing the adoption fee for all adult cats (1-6 years) to $100! As with all RSPCA animals available for adoption, this fee includes desexing, vaccinations and microchipping. For only $100 you can help give an adult cat a second chance and gain a special friend.

Please help RSPCA NSW find these loving cats forever homes. It will be the best $100 that you’ve ever spent.

Skunk was surrendered to the shelter and is now in need of a new home. He will need an owner who has experience with the Chinese Crested and understands the care he will need.

Skunk has been in a home with children and enjoys their company. We suggest older more mature kids as he can be shy and unsure of loud noises and quick movements around his head, and feet.

He gets on well with other dogs and he also doesn't mind cats. He should still be supervised when around them. Skunk will need to have oil free moisturising cream rubbed into his skin if he starts to dry out. He will also need sunscreen applied before going out into the sunlight, and protecting clothing. He is a beautiful boy who adores affection.

Skunk is quiet and calm and loves to sit on your lap while watching TV. He loves to sit on couches, and beds, and must be an indoors dog especially during the hot parts of the day, and at night(except when needing to go outside for exercise or other activities).

He will need regular exercise and stimulation such as a walk or games in the back yard. He will need a yard with secure fencing, with no gaps. He can become playful at times and could be trained to do tricks etc. He already sits for treats.
Skunk is desexed, vaccinated, wormed and health tested. He is available right now from the Rouse Hill Care Centre. You can contact him by...

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About us

The RSPCA - The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - is Australia's pre-eminent animal welfare organisation. We provide a strong voice for animals experiencing cruelty and neglect. The RSPCA is not a government agency and receives only a very small amount of funding from the Government. We rely on the generosity of the community and our own fundraising initiatives to fund our vital work.